Ryan Patrick Wines 2016 Rock Island Red

Appellation: Columbia Valley

It’s tough to go wrong in Washington when blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, and the winemaking team at Wahluke Wine Co., created this 47%/47% proprietary red under the direction of Butch Milbrandt and his son, Buck. A variety of entry points are offered by this nicely balanced and approachable delivery of boysenberries and blueberries, joined by herbs and spices hinting at sweet tobacco, black peppercorns and bay leaf. When considering that the vineyard sources include Northridge on the Wahluke Slope, Elephant Mountain in the Rattlesnake Hills and Red Heaven on Red Mountain, it’s no surprise that it won a gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and then a 2019 Platinum from Wine Press Northwest.